The premier annual award for the UK motor industry has been won by Tod Evans of Peugeot UK.

Now in its 71^st year, the 2000 Castrol/IMI Gold Medal was presented to Tod Evans, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, Patron of the Institute of the Motor Industry, at its annual dinner in London.

Awarded to the individual, group or organisation judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to the UK motor industry in its widest sense, five nominations were considered by a distinguished panel of executives from across the motor industry.

The Gold Medal was presented to Tod Evans and Peugeot UK for leading Peugeot to record-breaking performance and entry into the top three of UK manufacturers for the first time. Peugeot’s efforts in lobbying Government for the benefit of the environment and UK motorists, which helped generate increased market share, also impressed the judges.

Commented Mr Evans; "I am honoured to accept this most distinguished award. At Peugeot we have seen steady but healthy growth in our business over many years and our position as number three in the UK market has been further strengthened by the success of our Coventry built 206 model.

The other four nominations for the 2000 Castrol/IMI Gold Medal Award included: The Morgan Motor Car Company; Lord March, Chairman of Goodwood; David Richards and Prodrive; and Peter Vardy, chairman of Reg Vardy plc.

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For further information, contact Andrew Didlick on 024 7688 4309